Our Missioners in Heaven:
Sr. Adelaide Koetter SVD New Guinea
Sr. Adelaide Koetter was a Freeport, MN native. In 1926 she joined the Holy Ghost Convent in Techny, IL which is connected to the Divine Word Missionaries (SVD). She served for a short time in Mississippi before taking a permanent assignment in New Guinea late fall of 1937. During her time in New Guinea she was in charge of the school, church, and hospital.
During WWII the Japanese used New Guinea as a base, and suspected many of the religious located there of being spies. Early in March 1943 they boarded a number of detainees onto one of their ships. The following day they were executed. Sr. Adelaide was executed on March 17, 1943 she was 36 years old.
Sr. Agnes Soenneker OSF Nicaragua / Venezuela
Sister Agnes made her final vows as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, MN in 1962. She ministered as a missionary, member of the Franciscan Sisters Leadership Team, healing, and retreat minister, and was a farmer at heart. She served in Minnesota, Kentucky, Nicaragua, and Venezuela before passing away on December 28, 2007, at the age of 68. She was a Franciscan Sister for 50 years.
Sr. Annelda Wahl OSB China/ Puerto Rico/ Taiwan
Sr. Annelda Wahl made her final vows as a Benedictine Sister in 1930. She spent many years ministering in health care. She served as an anesthetist and in administrative positions at the St. Cloud Hospital as well as ministering in other US States, Taiwan, China, and Puerto Rico. She passed away on April 19, 1986, at the age of 79. She had been a Benedictine Sister for 60 years.
Sr. Annette Brophy OSB Japan
Sister Annette Brophy made her final vows as a Benedictine Sister of St. Josephy in 1959. For the next 77 years she spent her time ministering primarily to those in the US, but she also spent a couple years in Japan. Sr. Annette was an artistic and creative person with an education in music and languages. She was able to serve as an educator in central MN and Japan, as well as giving music related lessons at the College of St. Benedict. Her creative spirit shone as she also composed music, gave private music lessons, did freelance photography, co-authored a book with Sr. Mara Faulker called Born of Common Hungers: Benedictine Women in Search of Connections, and with the help of Sr. Galen Martini as the script writer, Sr. Annette created two multi-media programs published by Liturgical Press: Peace, the Urgent Dream and Journey of Conversion. She passed away on August 31, 2023 at the age of 96.
Photo and information from Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls' website.
Sr. Antonia Rausch OSF Africa
Sr. Antonia (Tonie) joined the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, MN after her high school graduation in 1951. After becoming a Sister, Sr. Tonie spent much time teaching at all levels. Her teaching experience began in the local diocesan grade schools. Later she would teach at the High School at the St. Francis High School. She was a gifted and creative teacher, always challenging her students to open their minds to new and innovative ideas. In 1986, she was sent to Tanzania to teach and serve the people there. She eventually returned to Minnesota in 2003 where she used her experiences in Africa to minister to a number of new immigrants and refugees.
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Sister Tonie was a down-to-earth person who had a reverent love for all of God’s people, especially the poor and oppressed. She passed away on June 17, 2017, at the age of 84 after 65 years as a Franciscan Sister.
Sr. Beata Lorsung OSF Mexico
Sr. Beata made her final vows as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, MN in 1940. Throughout her years as a Franciscan sister she ministered primarily in education and pastoral ministry. She She taught at St. Francis High School and researched and wrote the history of the Franciscan Sisters. She served in the United States and Mexico before passing away on October 11, 2007, at the age of 93. She was a Franciscan Sister for 72 years.
Fr. William Schreder T.O. R. (St. Martin) India / Brazil
Fr. William Gans OCSO ( West Union) Chile
Br. Nicholas Thielman CSC ( Avon ) Bangladesh
Sr. Benedice Schulte OSB Japan / Thailand
Sr. Benedice Schulte made her final vows as a Benedictine Sister in 1947. During the years that followed she ministered primarily in educational roles. She taught at the College of St. Benedict, opened and taught at a mission in Japan, taught high school in Cold Spring, MN, taught in Alaska, and she taught English at a seminary in Thailand. She passed away on September 13, 1997, at the age of 75. She had been a Benedictine Sister for over 50 years.
Sr. Bertha Gerads OSF Ecuador / Mexico
Sr. Bertha Gerads made her final vows as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls in 1950. Her primary ministry was in health care and pastoral ministry in the Midwest, Mexico, and Ecuador. She passed away on June 8, 2006, at the age of 78. She was a Franciscan Sister for 62 years.
Fr. Werner Shadeg SVD ( Farming) New Guinea
Br. John Haupt SJ ( St. Martin) Zimbabwe / Rhodesia
Sr. Francetta Kunkle SSpS ( Pearl Lake) Ghana
Photo and information from Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls' website.
Sr. Carolyn Law OSF Venezuela / Nicaragua
Sr. Carolyn was a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, MN for 43 years. She previously served in Venezuela from 1985-1990, and Nicaragua from 1990-1993 before returning to Minnesota. She had a love for wide open spaces, a sense of God in nature, and a desire to see the rest of the world. When she was serving abroad she wanted to learn directly about the poor of the world. Learning another language and experiencing another culture was humbling yet enriched her greatly. She returned to the States in 1992 and after a year sabbatical pursued a graduate degree in counseling psychology. She found this ministry meaningful and felt that as a Franciscan she could offer a special warmth and compassion for those who come for help in their need. Sister Carolyn was a gift to her community and those who knew her well. She passed away on December 16, 2023 at the age of 71.
Sr. Cleone (Anne) Burnett OSB Taiwan
Sr. Anne Burnett made her final vows as a Benedictine Sister 1926. She spent much of her time ministering in education, spending 38 years teaching upper elementary grades. She also spent time in Taiwan and promoted mission work in China for 10 years.
She passed away on May 5, 1984, at the age of 79. She was a Benedictine Sister for over 60 years.
Sr. Donalda Terhaar OSB China
Sr. Donalda Terhaar made her final vows as a Benedictine Sister in 1926. She spent some time teaching classical languages at St. Benedict’s Academy in the 1920s before becoming a member of the first group of Benedictine missionaries to go to China. She taught English in Peking for five years before returning the US and teaching English, French, and Spanish. After retiring from teaching, she worked in the Convent’s library until 1991. She passed away on January 25, 1996, at the age of 92. She had been a Benedictine Sister for almost 70 years.
Fr. Norbert Shadeg SVD ( Farming) Bangladesh
Br. Mark Grundhoefer OSC (St. Cloud) Papua New Guinea 1970-82
Br. Robert Mandernach OSC (St. Martin) Congo Republic 1993-95
Photo and information from Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls' website.
Sr. Donna Zetah OSF Peru / Guatemala
Sr. Donna made her final vows as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, MN in 1952. The majority of Sr. Donna's ministry revolved around healthcare and Hispanic ministry. She served as a missionary nurse in Peru, as well as worked with those suffering from the effects of war and natural disasters in Guatemala and Honduras. She continued to serve the Hispanic population when she returned to the United States.
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She was deeply loved, and ministered to people in a gracious, gentle, and compassionate manner. She adapted easily from one experience, one community of people, one area to another. In her many years of service to Hispanics and migrants, and as a missionary, her goal was always to ensure basic health care for everyone. Throughout her life, Sr. Donna had a great appreciation for her religious community and her family and felt supported by both in her service to the poor. After 70 years as a Franciscan Sister, Sr. Donna passed away on March 15, 2018, at the age 88.
Sr. Dorthea Lenz OSB Taiwan
Sr. Dorthea Lenz made her final vows as Benedictine Sister of St. Joseph, MN in 1951. She primarily served her community in the areas of the domestic arts as a cook, laundress, housekeeper, homemaker, etc. Her ministry brought her to Taiwan, an adult day care in Uniontown, AL., caring for small children while their parents’ attended classes, and assisting in the parish office. At Saint Benedict’s Monastery, she served in hospitality, helped in food service, sewing, and assisting the sisters in many ways. Sr. Dorthea was most grateful for her call to religious life. She felt it helped her learn how to better know, love, and serve God and God’s people. She continued to honor God to the end of her life through community living and undertaking a special ministry of prayer. She passed away on July 28, 2020, at the age of 92. She was a Benedictine Sister for 72 years.
Photo and information from Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls' website.
Sr. Elizabeth Ohmann OSF Peru
Sister Elizabeth made her final vows as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, MN in 1956. She had a creative mind, innovative spirit, and a compassionate heart, all of which she utilized in her varied ministries. As an elementary teacher, she was called on to reach out to students with special needs whose unique gifts and talents she helped to discover. Inspired by the example of her brother, Maryknoll Fr. Dan Ohmann, she volunteered to serve in Peru. Her focus there was on improving the lives of the poor in Altiplano. Returning to the United States, she served in administration at the Motherhouse. There, her concern centered on the needs of the elderly and infirm sisters. She also did some work as an educator, organizer, and activist with Border-Links and Humane Borders in Tucson, AZ. There she used her gifts to ease the suffering of migrants and raise awareness of immigration policies that made it necessary for people to put themselves in life-threatening situations. Sister Elizabeth was universally respected and loved by those whom she served and with whom she ministered. She passed away on January 12, 2014, at the age of 80 after 62 years as a Franciscan Sister.
Sr. Ellen Cotone OSB Bahamas / Brazil
Sr. Ellen was a Benedictine Sister of St. Joseph, MN. She made her final vows in 1954. She loved music, and it always played a key role in her life. Throughout her life she was a music teacher, an organist, a member of the music department at the College of St. Benedict, served in parish ministry, and she was an elementary music teacher in the Bahamas. She served for over ten years in Brazil where she worked in parish ministry, liturgy, and a variety of activities especially with youth. She passed away on April 9, 2017, at the age of 86 after 62 years as a Benedictine Sister.
Photo and information from Benedictine Sisters of St. Joseph's website.
Sr. Euphrasia Ruhland OSB Japan
Sr. Euphrasia Ruhland made vows as a Benedictine Sister in 1935. She spent time doing domestic and outdoor work at the Mother house before being name superior at Hokkaido, Japan in 1958. She later served as the novice mistress there. She returned to the US in 1963 where she spent the rest of her days in the St. Cloud Hospital. She passed away on February 27, 1964, at the age of 50. She had been a Benedictine Sister for 31 years.
Sr. Felicia Stager, OSB China 1940-45
Fr. Richard Frank OSC (Swanville) Papua New Guinea 1965-71
Bishop Alphonse Sowada OSC (Elmdale) Papua New Guinea 1960-2001
Sr. JoAnne Bastien MM (St. Cloud) China
Fr. Greg Poser OSC (Lastrup) Papua New Guinea 1991-2002
Fr. David Gallus OSC (North Prairie) Papua New Guinea 1967-90
Fr. Dennis Dunn MMFB (Onamia) Bolivia / Thailand
Sr. Elenore Kuhl MM ( St. Martin) Philippines
Sr. Flora Goebel, OSB - Previously in China
Sr. Flora Goebel made her first vows as a Benedictine Sister in 1910. She mistered in the medical field, working for St. Alexus hospital in Bismarck, ND before volunteering for foreign missionary work in China. While there she helped the sisters conduct a dispensary before returning to the United States in 1943. She went back to being a nurse in MN before retiring because of illness. She passed away on September 23, 1956, at the age of 67. She was in the 47th year in her religious profession when she passed away.
Sr. Frances Kempenich, OSF - Previously in Peru
Sr. Frances made her final vows as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, MN in 1947. In the 79 years that followed she served as a missionary, housekeeper, cook, cottage mother, parish visitor, counselor, and personal care attendant. She ministered in a number of cities in Minnesota. She was also part of the first group of Little Falls Franciscans to serve in Latin America where she was a missionary in Peru, South America, from 1962-1969.
Sister Fran, as she was known to everyone, was an “all-around-sort-of-person” who had many talents. She was dedicated to serving others, especially the elderly and handicapped. She will be dearly missed by everyone. She passed away on July 22, 2022, at the age of 97.
Photo and information from Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls' website.
Sr. Francetta Vetter, OSB - Previously in China, Japan, + Taiwan
Sr. Francetta Vetter made vows as a Benedictine sister in 1916. She taught at the College of St. Benedict’s before leaving for China. She became the first superior of the mission in 1930, later she became dean of a middle school in Peiping. In 1950, the nuns moved to Tokyo where they started a cooking school with other classes.
She passed away on December 27, 1966, at the age of 70. She had been a Benedictine sister for 50 years when she passed away.
Sr. Glenore Riedner, OSB - Previously in Taiwan
Sr. Glenore Riedner made her final vows as a Benedictine sister in 1926. She spent her time teaching and working as a dietitian. She started by teaching home economics at St. Benedict’s Academy, later teaching at the College of St. Benedict. She was influential in the formation of the Central Minnesota Dietetic Association. She also helped organize and implement a new cafeteria in the St. Cloud Hospital while serving as their chief dietitian. Along with her ministry here in the US, Sr. Glenore was assigned to assist in the formation of Benedictine Sisters in Taiwan. There she helped them with their ministry at the orphanage, taught at the university, and was their regional superior before returning to the US in 1970. She passed away on October 25, 2008, at the age of 106. She had just celebrated her 85th year as a Benedictine sister that summer.
Fr. Herb Gappa, MMFB - Previously in Tanzania
Fr. Herb Gappa grew up in Urbank, MN before being ordained a priest with Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers in 1968. After ordination, Fr. Gappa was sent to Tanzania where he would spend more than 30 years of his life. He was first and foremost a paster, priest, and missionary. His life’s work was in service to God and the Bariadi community. He spent his time growing faith and the Church in Tanzania all while emphasizing deep faith, hard work, and the importance of caring for the environment. He felt that planting trees and planting faith were interconnected. He would often say: “When you die and go to heaven, at the pearly gates, St. Peter will ask you one question: On earth, how many trees did you plant and how many trees did you cut down?”
He loved a good Tanzanian liturgy that included vibrant singing, glorious dancing, and common-sense preaching. He had a great love and respect for the people he served. He eventually returned to Minnesota and continued mission promotion stateside before moving to Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers in Ossining New York in 2019. He was a Maryknoll priest for 55 years before passing away on December 22, 2023, at the age of 81.
Sr. Hilda Keller, OSB - Previously in Japan
Sr. Hilda Keller made her final vows as a Benedictine Sister of St. Joesph, MN in 1963. She served as a teacher for many years despite having multiple sclerosis for more than 50 years. She was able to teach elementary and secondary education in the US and Japan. In 1984 she moved to the Saint Benedict’s Monastery where she worked in the library and held reading classes for the sisters. This developed into coordinating reading classes, being assistant sacristan, and serving as receptionist. Sr. Hilda passed away on October 31, 2021, at the age of 81. She had been a Benedictine Sister for 61 years.
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Sr. Jacinta (Patricia) Roemer OSB Taiwan
Sr. Jacinta was a Benedictine Sister of St. Joseph, MN. She served in Taiwan from 1961-1971 before passing away.
Fr. Richard Walz ( Rockville) 1989-2000
Joy Fussy Yemen
Joy was a former Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, MN. She previously served in Yemen from 1974-1976 before passing away on February 14, 2021.
To read more about Fr. Kaiser, you can find more of her story in our newsletters. Look in Summer 2020.
Fr. John Kaiser, MHM - Previously in Kenya
Fr. John Kaiser was a Mill Hill Missionary priest from Maine, MN. He joined the Mill Hill Missionaries in 1960, being ordained a priest in 1964 before being sent to Kenya. He lived and ministered in Kenya for 36 years, before passing away from a gunshot would to the back of the head on August 24, 2000. While there are speculations, it is still unknown who killed him.
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He was beloved by the Kenyan people, who called him “The Rhino,” because while he was peaceful, he would rise up and fight against injustices. Fr. Kaiser likewise loved the people of Kenya. He learned their language, ate their food, worked with them, and ministered to them. He had a great love for the poor and those affected by injustice. He fought for justice for the Kenyan people, advocating for equality of all Kenyans regardless of ethnic, economic, and political boundaries. This work led to him receiving Kenya’s Human Rights Award in March 2000, just five months before his death. He is greatly missed both here and in Kenya.
Sr. Justin Feeley OSB Japan 1975-76
Fr. Kieran Nolan Japan
Sr. Jeanette Roesch (Albany) Puerto Rico / Mexico 1948-51
Fr. Linus Doerner - Previously in Chile
Fr. Linus was born in 1934 in St. Cloud, MN, entered Gethsemani in 1953, and made his solemn profession in 1958. He was ordained a priest in 1962, and was sent to La Dehesa, (Miraflores, Chile) in 1968 where he made his stable vows in 1972. Fr. Linus was titular Superior of the community from 1986 until 2004. When he passed away in 2022, he was 88 years old, a professed monastic for 67 years and 60 years a priest.
​His deepest desire was to give his life for his friend. The impression he gave others was a man of deep peace, humility, wisdom, holiness, and love. Those who knew him felt incredibly honored and blessed.
Taken from a note written by Rosanne Fischer in our Spring 2023 newsletter.
Sr. Madonna Kuebelbeck OSB Brazil
Sr. Madonna was a Benedictine Sister of St. Joseph, MN. She made her final vows in 1956. Her passion and ministry revolved around health care. She worked in the St. Cloud Hospital for many years. Later she served for 12 years in Brazil where she ministered to those living in poverty. After returning from Brazil, she served in Willmar, MN where she ministered to all, especially those in the Hispanic community. She passed away on September 3, 2015 at the age of 83 after 56 years as a Benedictine Sister.
Photo and information from Benedictine Sisters of St. Joseph's website.
Photo and information from Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls' website.
Sr. Marcella Schuller OSF Vietnam
Sr. Marcella made her final vows as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, MN in 1938. She was a loving and compassionate person whose spirit of giving seemed endless. At the age of 50, after 18 years of serving as an anesthetist in many Franciscan hospitals, she generously volunteered to serve in Vietnam through Catholic Relief Services. Those four years of her life were some of the most enriching experiences she ever had. She truly loved the Lord and served Him through those He put into her life. She passed away on April 4, 2012, at the age of 95 after 79 years as a Franciscan Sister.
Sr. Margretta Nathe, OSB - Previously in Montreal, Canada
Previously in Montreal from 1986-1987
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Sr Margretta Nathe made her perpetual vows as a Benedictine Sister in 1937. She ministered in education, teaching elementary, junior high, and college students. She also spent some time working as the prefect of the students, dean of residence, director of development, as well as helping publish the Benet and news service, working as a photographer, and the executive secretary for the Alumnae Association. Sr. Margretta also helped direct the College overseas program, teaching students abroad in Germany and Switzerland for ten years.
She passed away on June 26, 2007, at the age of 93. She had been a Benedictine Sister for over 77 years.
Sr. Mariette Pitz OSB China / Taiwan
Fr. James Minette ( ND) 1965-90
Fr. Mark Willenbring (Pierz) 1965-91
Photo and information from Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls' website.
Sr. Maristell Schanen, OSF - Previously in Yemen + Tanzania
Sr. Maristell made her final vows as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, MN in 1953. She lived her life with an intense appreciation for the good, the true, and the beautiful. She had a deep understanding and gratitude for all the experiences into which she was led by Divine Providence in her life’s journey. She held herself to the high ideals that she gathered from her parents, her faith, and her religious Community. She spent the majority of her 63 years as a Franciscan Sister ministering in education. She taught formally in high schools, college, and religious education, and informally in Franciscan renewal and as an administrative assistant with Catholic Relief Services. She ministered in Minnesota, New York City, Colorado, Yemen, and Tanzania before passing away on July 6, 2012, at the age of 93.
Sr. Mary Camillus Weier, OSF - Previously in Peru
Sr. Mary Camillus Weier made her vows as a Franciscan sister in 1939. During her time as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls she ministered as a registered nurse, served as the assistant director of the St. Francis School of Nursing, the administrator at St. Francis Hospital and Home, she was an instructor at the St. Gabriel's Hospital School of Nursing in Little Falls, the coordinator of Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls in health care programs, and served as president of the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls from 1972-1976. She also served in mission at a clinic in Yunguyo, Peru and later as a faculty member at Santa Maria University in Arequipa, Peru. She ministered in Peru from 1962-1976. She passed away on January 24, 1982 at the age of 62.
Sr. Mary Gertrude Maus OSB Japan
Sr. Mary Gertrude Maus made her final vows as a Benedictine Sister in 1933. She spent over 40 years teaching high school English, history, and religion in ND, MN, UT, and Tokyo Japan. She was also a high school principal for 15 years of her teaching career.​ She passed away on July 22, 1989, at the age of 86. She had been a Benedictine sister for 60 years.
Photo and information from Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls' website.
Sr. Mary Mercita Pipp OSF Colombia / Venezuela / Brazil
Sr. Mary Mercita was accepted as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, MN in 1943. She did her ministry in the health care field as an RN. She was a staff nurse, nursing supervisor, director of nursing, instructor, and as the Vice President of Trinity memorial Hospital in Cudahy, WI.
​In 1967 she went to Colombia, South America as a member of Project HOPE. This was one of the most significant and satisfying experiences of her long career in health care. She said, “Its (project HOPE’s) philosophy reflected mine – people distinguished by giving themselves through performance and achievement who share the common interest of supporting the highest ideals, traditions, and purposes.” She saw each day as a challenge, an adventure, a learning experience, and a fulfillment. Her time with Project HOPE was primarily in Colombia, but she also spent time in Venezuela and Brazil. She passed away on January 2, 2019 at the age of 94 after 75 years as a Franciscan Sister.
Sr. Olivia Forster OSB Japan
Sr. Olivia was a Benedictine Sister of St. Joseph, MN. She made her final vows in 1947. She served much of her time in education as an elementary and later a secondary school teacher in Minnesota. She ministered in Japan where she taught English for over 20 years. After she returned to the United States she served at the monastery in St. Joseph where she wrote a book Ardent Women: A History of the Federation of Saint Benedict. She was an avid reader and loved walks and playing card games. She loved the people and culture of Japan. She passed away on February 4, 2017, at the age of 92 after 69 years as a Benedictine Sister.
Photo and information from Benedictine Sisters of St. Joseph's website.
Bishop Paride Taban - Previously in South Sudan
Bishop Taban served in South Sudan, and was someone who though not from the St. Cloud Diocese, had been connected with us for many years. He sadly passed away on November 1st, 2023 at the age of 87. He was a remarkable peacemaker, spiritual leader, and humanitarian who did great work in Sudan. A little about his mission work.
South Sudan is the newest country in the world, officially becoming its own country on July 9, 2011 after a referendum that passed to secede from the nation of Sudan, following over 20 years of civil war and unrest. Bishop Paride Taban was the Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Torit, and founder of the Holy Trinity Peace Village in Kuron, South Sudan. A place that works to bring young people of different ethnic groups together for everything from education to prayer to playing soccer. He helped run this village and advocated for peace and reconciliation throughout the world, including assisting with mediation in other global conflicts.
He was the recipient of many awards for his decades of peace-building efforts, including winning the Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation, being nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, and posthumously winning the Opus Award of $1 million dollars in 2023.
Sr. Rachel Loulan OSB China
Sr. Rachel Loulan made her profession as a Benedictine Sister in 1922. She was one of six sisters who went to China in 1930 to start an educational center for Chinese girls.​ She passed away in China from a throat infection on April 10, 1937, she was only 36. She had been a Benedictine sister for more than 15 years.
Sr. Ramona Johnson OSF Ecuador / Mexico
Sr. Ramona Johnson made her final vows as a Franciscan sister in 1955. For the next 50+ years she served in health care and ministered to the poor in Mexico, Ecuador, and the United States.​ She passed away on December 20, 2008, at the age of 78. She had been a Franciscan Sister for 58 years.
Sr. Regia Zens OSB China Taiwan / Japan
Sr. Regia Zens made her final vows as a Benedictine Sister in 1916. She spent her time ministering as a homemaker in convents in Pierz and Cold Spring, MN. She was also a missionary in China for 20 years and Japan for 19 years before retiring in 1969. She also spent four years in a concentration camp in China.​ She passed away on February 25, 1987, at the age of 93. She had been a Benedictine sister for over 74 years.
Sr. Rita Barthel OSF Venezuela
Sr. Rita Barthel was a Franciscan Sister for 54 years. She ministered in education, Franciscan Sister's leadership, and in parish ministry. At the time of her death she was a pastoral associate at the Church of St. Paul in St. Cloud, MN. She also spent some time ministering in Venezuela from 1967-1975. She passed away in 2003 at the age of 72.
Sr. Ronayne Gergen OSB China / Taiwan
Fr. Eugene Theisen MMFB (Wadena) Mexico/ Chili
Fr. Frank Loesch SJ ( Pearl Lake ) India
Fr. Fidelis Becker ( Richmond) Malawi
Karen Reichensperger ( St. Cloud ) Guatemala
Fr. Paul Kuhl SVD (St. Martin) Mexico
Fr. Henry Miller OSC (Spring Hill) Papua New Guinea 1959-68
Fr. Jerome Trettel MMFB (Bowlus) Chile
Sr. Ruth Ann Nistler OSF Peru + Venezuela
Sr. Ruth made her final vows as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls, MN in 1956. She was a person who loved to share her life and talents with other people. She had a deep love and admiration for the people she ministered to in South America and said that she received more from them than she was able to give to them. She had a great desire to reach the total self-giving, wholeness and holiness to which God called her.
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Sr. Ruth ministered as an elementary teacher, foreign missionary, library assistant, pastoral minister, director of religious education, receptionist, music and liturgy coordinator, pastoral associate, and Hispanic minister. She passed away on July 20, 2013, at the age of 81. She was a Franciscan Sister for 61 years.
Photo and information from Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls' website.
Sr. Shaun O'Meara OSB Japan
Sr. Shaun O’Meara made her final vows as a Benedictine Sister in 1957. Education was the basis of her life; she spent many years as a student and a teacher. She ministered in this way both in the US and in Japan. Along with ministering through education, she wrote meditations for the radio, served on the Oblate Advisory Team and the Formation Team at Saint Benedict’s Monastery, worked in the Monastery’s Studium, gave retreats, led workshops, wrote book reviews, and gave homilies. In 2011, she moved to Saint Scholastica Convent where she undertook a ministry of prayer for the prioress and those studying theology. She passed away on October 14, 2016, at the age of 85. She was a Benedictine Sister for 64 years.
Sr. Sheila Mortonson OSF Italy/ Egypt / Africa / Belgium
Sr. Sheila Mortonson made her final vows as a Franciscan Sister of Little Falls in 1946. For the next 60+ years she was a teacher, librarian, and lecturer. She ministered to those in the United States, Italy, Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, and Belgium,​ She passed away on June 7, 2008, at the age of 92. She had been a Franciscan sister for 66 years.
Fr. Teddy Niehaus OFMCAP Nicaragua
Fr. Teddy Niehaus was a Capuchin Franciscan priest from Sauk Centre, MN. He was ordained in 1967 and proceeded to spend his entire priesthood in Nicaragua. After over 45 years of serving the Nicaraguan people, Fr. Teddy passed away in 2014 at the age of 75.
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He was beloved by the people he ministered to. Many felt he was secretly just like St. Francis himself. He lived the Franciscan spirit, and a sincere, authentic, and dedicated life in the name of service. As Monica Rudawski wrote, “I’m afraid Fr. Teddy’s boots are much too big for us to step into, but his footprints are everywhere for us to follow, leading us on his holy trail, where people beg to be ministered to, where our own spirits yearn for a long drink of water alongside our sisters and brothers. There is a deep ache in the hearts of the people here in Nicaragua, as Teddy’s absence falls heavily upon us all. The sheep have lost their shepherd.” His calling to Mission was a joy that energized him and those around him. He left behind a deep and wide legacy and is greatly missed by many.
Sr. Usuline Venne OSB China /Taiwan / Japan
Sr. Ursuline Venne made her first vows as a Benedictine Sister in 1910. She was a music teacher and an organist, teaching music around central Minnesota during her early years as a religious. She later joined some sisters in China before being transferred to Tokyo, Japan almost 15 years later. She remained there until she became sick and returned to the United States.​ She passed away on March 18, 1957, at the age of 67. She had been a Benedictine Sister for almost 50 years.
Sr. Wibora Muehlenbein OSB China / Taiwan / Japan
Sr. Wibora made vows as a Benedictine sister in 1924. She spent 6 years teaching in Minnesota before responding to a call to open a mission in China. For the next 31 years she would spend her time teaching, building, and doing administrative work in the Orient. During World War II, she was an internee in a Japanese concentration camp for over four years. When Americans were expelled from mainland China in 1948, they moved to Taiwan where they taught, conducted a student center, student hostel, and a home for babies. A few years later she moved with the sisters to Tokyo, Japan where they had a convent and student hostel. She returned to the United States for a visit in 1961 and was unable to return to Taiwan due to health issues. She later wrote a book about her personal stories titled “Benedictine Mission in China.”
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She passed away on December 19, 1983, at the age of 78. She had been a Benedictine sister for almost 60 years.